Sun, Jun 03, 2007
The Straits Times

Q: WHAT are the prospects of a career in Singapore for someone with a film diploma or degree?

Should one follow one's passion or be resigned to life's realities?

I'm going to be 24. I wish to study for an advanced diploma in film production at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. However, it won't be easy to persuade my parents to let me go into film, especially in Singapore.

As it is, there are so few production houses, although perhaps we could still be employed by advertising firms.

There are also many graduates in film. As the remuneration in this field is more project-based, it might be difficult to earn a stable income. What are the chances of survival?

What are the prospects of landing a job? And what are the kind of jobs one can expect?

A: THE progress of the film industry in Singapore is celebrated periodically as we achieve significant milestones. However, it remains a niche and closely knit area.

The best way to get started in the industry is through the people you know who are already in the network.

To begin with, academic qualifications in film production might not be a prerequisite, though attending a course would enable you to acquire greater knowledge of film production and build relationships for future assignments.

To answer your question about whether you should follow your passion or submit to reality, I would point out that passion is what distinguishes the great from the merely adequate.

To explore the possibilities, you could consider taking on freelance assignments in film production.

For instance, you could join a 'swing gang', which helps construct and take down sets, and make last-minute changes to the sets; or you could sign up with a 'grip' crew, which is responsible for the rigging, and for moving and preparing sets and camera dollies.

This would give you insight into the industry. At the same time, you would begin to understand the requirements for each role in film production and decide the area that you want to focus on.

As you explore, you will form convictions that will help you decide if this is the career you want to embark on, and how you can convince yourself and your parents.

With the power of true conviction behind you, you can then decide to pursue academic qualifications.

Film production is very much about talent and skill. The course would provide you with a structured learning process, while hands-on experience would accelerate learning.

If you're looking for a job in a corporate organisation, you could consider companies with in-house corporate video production capabilities. These are global companies that fly their production crews to different locations to film facilities, businesses and sometimes clients as a form of advertising and promotion for the company.

Working for such an organisation, you could gather a myriad of experiences in the business world while enjoying a stable income.

The job would be regular but still exciting as you would be involved in all aspects of film production, including the selection of equipment or, in some cases, vendors.

Given the attractiveness of such job opportunities, academic qualifications are a minor consideration. Candidates distinguish themselves by their passion, which fuels their creativity and ability.

Your academic qualifications might not lead you to a specific job. For example, if you surf some polytechnic websites, you might find that a graduate with a film, sound and video diploma has become a pilot.

Tertiary education provides a platform for people to acquire knowledge and skills in a structured process. More importantly, it also shapes the person's attitudes, values and purpose in life.

Most tertiary education programmes are designed to develop thinking and analytical skills in the subject being pursued by the student.

These programmes also develop communication and leadership skills through coursework and teamwork. Therefore, the course content should be an area of personal interest. The learning and self-discovery are more important.

Passion and reality need not be mutually exclusive. Think along the lines that you can be passionate and real about something. Decide in your heart to be the best in whatever you do, and that will set your pace in life and determine your success.

Eunice Chia-Lim
Learning & Development Manager
PeopleSearch

Advice provided in this column is not meant as a substitute for comprehensive professional advice